Search Results (8)

Background: The arcuate fasciculus (AF) is a critical white matter (WM) tract that connects key cortical language-processing regions, including the so-called Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas. The aim of the present study was to quantitatively assess its radiological–anatomical–morphometric modifications according to different brain tumor histotypes. Methods: A retrospective multicentric Italian study was conducted. AF reconstructions were calculated for both hemispheres for each patient diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM), low-grade glioma (LGG), brain metastasis, and meningioma using Elements Fibertracking 2.0 software (Brainlab AG, Munich, Germany). A 3D object of each fascicle was evaluated for its volume, average fractional anisotropy (FA), and length. The cerebral healthy hemisphere was compared to the pathological contralateral in different tumor histotypes. Results: In total, 1294 patients were evaluated. A total of 156 met the inclusion criteria. We found a significant difference between healthy hemisphere and the contralateral for AF mean length and volume (p = 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). Considering separately the different tumor histotypes, the GBM subgroup (98, 63%) confirmed the results for mean FA and volume (p-value < 0.001); LGG patients (26, 17%) showed no significant difference between healthy and pathological hemisphere for AF mean length, mean FA, and volume (p-value 0.5, p-value 0.3, p-value <0.1, respectively). In patients affected by brain metastasis (18, 12%), Student’s t-test showed a significant difference for FA (p-value 0.003). No differences were found in patients affected by meningiomas (14, 9%) (14). Conclusions: Thorough knowledge of the microscopic anatomy and function of the arcuate fasciculus, as well as the pattern of growth of the different brain tumor histotypes, along with a careful preoperative neuroradiological assessment are mandatory to plan a tailored surgical strategy and perform a safe and effective surgical technique. The AF could be displaced and infiltrated/destructed by the solid component and peritumoral edema, respectively, of GBM. LGG shows a prevalent infiltrative pattern. Metastases account for AF dislocation due to peritumoral edema. Meningiomas do not affect WM anatomy. Full article

The study explores the application of natural biocides (oregano essential oil and eugenol, directly applied in solutions or encapsulated within silica nanocapsules) for safeguarding stone cultural heritage from biodeterioration, using green algae (Chlorococcum sp.) and cyanobacteria (Leptolyngbya sp.) as common pioneer biodeteriogens. Core-shell nanocontainers were built for a controlled release of microbicidal agents, a safe application of chemicals and a prolonged efficacy. The qualitative and quantitative evaluations of biocide efficiency at different doses were periodically performed in vitro, after six scheduled intervals of time (until 100 days). The release kinetics of composite biocide-embedding silica nanocapsules were characterized by the UV-Vis spectroscopy technique. Data showed both promising potential and some limitations. The comparative tests of different biocidal systems shed light on their variable efficacy against microorganisms, highlighting how encapsulation influences the release dynamics and the overall effectiveness. Both the essential oils showed a potential efficacy in protective antifouling coatings for stone artifacts. Ensuring compatibility with materials, understanding their differences in biocidal activity and their release rates becomes essential in tailoring gel, microemulsion or coating products for direct on-site application. Full article

Microbial colonization can lead to various biodeterioration phenomena in outdoor stone monuments. To prevent these issues and mitigate the negative effects of chemical control, recent research has focused on encapsulating biocides in nanostructures. We tested the antifouling efficiency of the new multifunctional coating through in situ experiments performed on the Aurelian Walls in Rome. We selected two different biocides (2-mercaptobenzothiazole and zosteric sodium salt) and loaded them into two different silica nanocontainers (nanocapsules and mesoporous particles), which were dispersed in TEOS coatings. These coatings were applied to four common lithotypes (marble, travertine, mortar, and brick). Subsequently, we accelerated the colonization by inoculating microorganisms onto half of the samples, subjecting all samples to aging cycles. We conducted colorimetric, infrared spectroscopy, and other microscopic analyses to assess their durability and antimicrobial action. Our 3-year survey indicates that the coatings demonstrated antifoulant efficiency across all samples, with higher effectiveness observed on brick and mortar compared to travertine and marble. Among the nanostructures, nanocapsules exhibited greater efficiency than mesoporous particles, and regarding the biocides, the commercial one outperformed the natural one. These findings highlighted the potential of such systems in preserving cultural heritage; however, further research and product development is imperative for practical implementation. Full article

Urbanization and urban regeneration can significantly impact cultural heritage, but a greater knowledge of the past natural and historical features is needed to value the past and understand the present. The lost Villa Peretti Montalto in Rome, once located in the area that corresponds to the current front side of Termini station, deserves great attention due to its cultural value. This work aimed to provide a floristic and functional reconstruction of the gardens of the villa during the XVI and XVII Centuries. From several bibliographic and iconographic sources, a critical analysis and interpretation of plant names was conducted. A list of 87 species and their location in the different garden sectors, during different periods with their specific uses, is provided. The arboreal design was made by classical species in the Roman context, like Cupressus sempervirens, Pinus pinea, Quercus ilex, and Ulmus glabra. In addition, ancient lost varieties of fruit trees (mainly Pyrus communis and Ficus carica) and several species of conservation interest were found. The knowledge of the ancient flora in historical gardens could be a key tool in urban greenery planning and touristic and cultural valorization. Full article

Street trees play a significant ecological role in modern urban ecosystems, but usually the selection criteria follow pragmatic reasons rather than bio-ecological suitability. Understanding the influence of such factors can be relevant, especially in cities having a certain complexity and area. This paper aims to analyze the variation in the distribution of street tree species within the city’s municipia of Rome to determine the influence of some factors in the selection process. Here, we have described the species of street trees in fourteen municipia of Rome, and we created five clusters of factors (bio-ecological, aesthetic, historical–cultural, health, and economic) that could constitute selection criteria for street trees. From our data analysis, the municipia of Rome were grouped into four main groups and the choice of trees was based on multiple selection criteria. Foliage type, longevity, fruit type, autochthony, and economic value were the primary criteria. In 90–100% of municipia, deciduous species dominate, with 50–150 years longevity, dry fruits, exotic species, and prices of <€500 per tree. Additionally, the flower type, allergenicity, size class, and cultural value were the secondary criteria. The biological and ecological characteristics of trees are key factors to consider in order to reduce the management of street trees and relative costs. Full article

Introduction: The treatment of choice for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). However, CPAP is usually poorly tolerated and mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are an alternative innovative therapeutic approach. Uncertainty still remains as to the most suitable candidates for MAD. Herein, it is hypothesized that the presence of low arousal threshold (low ArTH) could be predictive of MAD treatment failure. Methods: A total of 32 consecutive patients, with OSAS of any severity, who preferred an alternate therapy to CPAP, were treated with a tailored MAD aimed at obtaining 50% of their maximal mandibular advancement. Treatment response after 6 months of therapy was defined as AHI < 5 events per hour or a reduction of AHI ≥ 50% from baseline. Low ArTH was predicted based on the following polysomnography features, as previously shown by Edwards et al.: an AHI of 82.5% and a hypopnea fraction of total respiratory events of >58.3%. Results: There were 25 (78.1%) responders (p-value < 0.01) at 6 months. Thirteen patients (40.6%) in the non-severe group reached AHI lower than 5 events per hour. MAD treatment significantly reduced the median AHI in all patients from a median value of 22.5 to 6.5 (74.7% of reduction, p-value < 0.001). The mandibular advancement device reduced AHI, whatever the disease severity. A significant higher reduction of Delta AHI, after 6 months of treatment, was found for patients without low ArTH. Conclusions: Low ArTH at baseline was associated with a poorer response to MAD treatment and a lower AHI reduction at 6 months. A non-invasive assessment of Low ArTH can be performed through the Edwards’ score, which could help to identify an endotype with a lower predicted response to oral appliances in a clinical setting. Full article

Coagulopathy induced by major trauma is common, affecting approximately one-third of patients after trauma. It develops independently of iatrogenic, hypothermic, and dilutive causes (such as iatrogenic cause in case of fluid administration), which instead have a pejorative aspect on coagulopathy. Notwithstanding the continuous research conducted over the past decade on Trauma-Induced Coagulopathy (TIC), it remains a life-threatening condition with a significant impact on trauma mortality. We reviewed the current evidence regarding TIC diagnosis and pathophysiological mechanisms and summarized the different iterations of optimal TIC management strategies among which product resuscitation, potential drug administrations, and hemostatis-focused approaches. We have identified areas of ongoing investigation and controversy in TIC management. Full article

Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among children and adults worldwide. Agreement exists that vitamin D deficiency should be corrected. However, the definitions of vitamin deficiency and effective vitamin D replacement therapy are inconsistent in the literature. Not only is the dosing regimen still under debate, but also the time and period of administration (i.e., daily vs. monthly dose). In pediatric as well as elderly subjects, dosing regimens with high vitamin D doses at less frequent intervals were proposed to help increase compliance to treatment: these became widespread in clinical practice, despite mounting evidence that such therapies are not only ineffective but potentially harmful, particularly in elderly subjects. Moreover, in the elderly, high doses of vitamin D seem to increase the risk of functional decline and are associated with a higher risk of falls and fractures. Achieving good adherence to recommended prophylactic regimens is definitely one of the obstacles currently being faced in view of the wide segment of the population liable to the treatment and the very long duration of prophylaxis. The daily intake for extended periods is in fact one of the frequent causes of therapeutic drop-outs, while monthly doses of vitamin D may effectively and safely improve patient compliance to the therapy. The aim of our paper is a quasi-literature review on dosing regimens among children and elderly. These two populations showed a particularly significant beneficial effect on bone metabolism, and there could be different outcomes with different dosing regimens. Full article